Human Resources Management and Services at Portland State University

Portland State's HR program stands out as a strong in-state option, outperforming 60% of Oregon HR programs despite starting just below the national median for first-year earnings. The real story here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their income jump 31% by year four, reaching nearly $65,000—well above typical early-career HR salaries. With only three programs in Oregon to choose from, Portland State's combination of modest debt ($25,460) and solid earning potential makes it the clear value leader for Oregon residents.

The debt picture is particularly manageable. At just over half of first-year earnings, graduates can realistically pay down their loans while building their careers. Portland State serves a significant population of Pell grant recipients (40%), yet still delivers competitive outcomes, suggesting the program effectively prepares students from diverse economic backgrounds for professional HR roles. The high admission rate means access isn't a barrier for students ready to commit to the work.

For Oregon families, this is straightforward: if your child wants to study HR and plans to work in-state, Portland State offers the best combination of accessibility, reasonable debt, and earning potential available locally. The earnings growth pattern indicates graduates are securing positions with advancement opportunity, not dead-end jobs. Just don't expect immediate high salaries—the value builds over the first few years of your career.